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Why the guidelines exist...
The most common question about any of our guidelines is, "Why?" Why have them, why enforce them, why not just let the DWF be a free-for-all? The answer is simple, the DWF is focused on facilitating discussions among professionals. People are people and sometimes forget about professionalism. The guidelines have been established to elevate the DWF experience by clearing away the clutter and allowing members to focus on one important thing--wedding photography.
Basic Forum Rules
The following rules are commonly adhered to in order to make everyone's experience a better one:
- No attacks, snotty or snide remarks.
Keep it friendly and professional. If you can't make your point without being rude, it's not a point worth making. If you disagree with someone's point of view, present an alternative. Attacking someone or their views to support your own is an ineffective way to persuade the original poster and other readers. Snide remarks take the focus off of the issue at hand and make a bigger statement about the quality of your character. Treat others on the forum like professionals and expect the same. We ask that you avoid posting a photographer’s website on the DWF for the purpose of ridiculing a photographer.
- Help us police the forums, but don't do it yourself.
Please use the report post button on the site, but don't publicly ostracize someone for breaking the guidelines or not using proper etiquette. It discourages people from posting and makes you look like a jerk.
- No religious or political discussion.
We realize that we all identify with different faiths and political parties and points of view. Even the most innocent thread can tempt people to focus on the differences we all have. As a community, we all share one thing. We're wedding photographers. Please help us keep the community unified by keeping religious or political discussion off the DWF altogether.
Note: This rule may be bent when the discussion pertains to wedding photography. In these instances, threads are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may later be halted if the discussion veers from being professional.
- Don't pimp.
With more than 5,500 members the DWF becomes an easy target for anyone wanting to promote a product, service or idea. Please read the vendor guidelines for more information on this.
- Don't discuss the forums on the forums.
We're very interested in your suggestions and feedback, but we politely request that you place them in the Suggestions and Feedback area.
- Don't fight with moderators.
Our moderators are both volunteers and human beings. We admit that sometimes mistakes are made. If you disagree with a moderator's decision please file an appeal. If you disagree with a policy or a guideline please use the Suggestions and Feedback area. Please don't repeatedly post things that have been pulled or bait the moderators by creating posts you know they will pull.
- Thread hijacking is prohibited.
Any post that creates an unwelcome change of topic from the subject of the conversation may be removed by the moderators.
Basic Forum Etiquette
The following is some basic etiquette to use when posting on the DWF. Many of these guidelines fall into gray areas and are evaluated on a case by case basis. Please report any posts to the moderators if you're concerned about it.
Good Manners and Respect
- DON'T be snotty to another poster, or make the argument personal. You're better than that.
- DO know the difference between differing opinions and personal attacks. Don't take it personally when someone disagrees.
- DON'T present your opinions as facts. It only inspires people to prove you wrong.
- DON'T post the same opinion over and over in the hopes of wearing other people down or "winning" a discussion; just move on.
Starting New Threads
- DO search for existing topics before starting new threads. There is a fair chance it's already been discussed.
- DON'T start a new thread unless you have something of substance to say yourself.
- DON'T request an info-dump: "Tell me about XYZ web site templates?" Ask specific questions and explain why you want the information.
Posting Messages
- DON'T post "Me Too!" messages; add something of substance to the conversation. Use the "Thanks" button instead.
- DON'T sign your posts with blogs, links, etc. Instead, please put them in your profile.
- DO understand that when you post a picture or a web site, it will be critiqued.
- DON'T offer harsh critique to show others how smart you are.
- DO take an interest in helping people grow and offer fair, honest, and helpful critique.
- DON'T post articles or pictures to which you don't own copyright. Instead, link to them.
- DON'T post the same thing in multiple areas; pick a spot and go with it.
- DON'T bump threads up to the top by posting useless comments. Threads will sink or swim on their own.
- DON'T bait the moderators by making posts you know will get removed. Use the feedback and suggestions area to let us know you have a problem.
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